A landmark town centre building could be turned into apartments with a swimming pool.

Plans have been submitted to Hyndburn Council to convert the disused Cannon Street Baptist Church in Accrington into one four-bed and nine two-bed apartments with another one nine-bed home.

The scheme would also include a swimming pool and storage space in the basement of the Grade II-listed building and the creation of 21 car parking spaces.

The building is located directly opposite the former Accrington Conservative Club which was demolished earlier this year after being targeted by arsonists.

Ward councillor Accrington Town Team member Tony Dobson said that incident should serve as a warning to other long-standing derelict buildings in the town.

He said: “I would welcome any use for buildings like that in the town centre that have stood empty for some time and started to decay.

“I think what happened to Churchills (former Conservative Club) is a reminder to us all that we need to find the best possible use for some of our older buildings.

“If somebody wants to invest their own money into turning this into 11 apartments then I think the council should do everything in its power to ensure it happens.

“There are very few things that it could be. It could probably be a gallery, a pub and residential but from then on I think you’re struggling.

“We need to be proactive with these people who come forward and offer to put their money into the town.

“Unless there is something significantly wrong with the application then I fully welcome it and thank the investor for taking one of our marvellous old buildings and bringing some life back into it.”

Documents sent to the council by C.D. Wilkinsons Plans, on behalf of applicant Ijeoma Enyi, said there will be ‘very few changes’ to the external appearance of the building because of its listed status.

It said: “The only additions will be windows and doors - which will be framed in stone to match existing, a small wind turbine and solar panels to one south facing roof.

“There are to be no extensions to the building, the footprint will remain as existing. The floor areas will increase as new floors will be created within the building.